As the temperatures keep dropping and the snow keeps piling, homes keep getting colder. Fortunately, however, there are ways to help keep your home warm during the harsh winter seasons.
1) Close And Seal All Windows
First and foremost, you should inspect each window in your home to make sure it is properly shut. Then, lock the window. Locking or latching the windows shut will prevent additional air from passing through. Next, stand near the window and use your hand to feel whether any cold air is still entering the house. If so, there may be inadequate caulking surrounding the window or inadequate weather stripping.
SHEETROCK PRICES
You can inspect the exterior perimeter of the window to determine if caulk should be applied. To the average person, however, it might not be clear whether caulk is needed. If you prefer this option, you should contact a window installation company or other home repair contractor to inspect the area for you.
You can also add weather stripping to your windows. A weather strip is usually a self-adhesive material that is applied directly to the window (Google for more information). It is much easier to notice whether your window is missing weather stripping than caulking. Your local hardware store will carry this item, and it can be installed relatively easily. There are videos on YouTube that can walk you through it step-by-step (search "weather stripping windows").
You can avoid both of the above-referenced options and simply apply a plastic-seal window kit. This product can also be found at your local hardware store and is relatively inexpensive. Installation is not difficult. Once again, there are YouTube videos that can guide you through the process (search "winter window insulation kit installation"). Just make sure you do not have to open the window at all because once the plastic is affixed to the window it can't be removed without damaging the seal.
2) Thermal or Insulated Curtains
Regardless of what option you choose concerning your windows, consider using thermal or insulated curtains to prevent warm air from leaving your home. These curtains are specifically designed to keep warmth in and cold out. This also means that these curtains prevent air conditioning from escaping the home.
Although the name may conjure images of unsightly décor, the curtains look pretty much like any other type of curtain (Google for images). Prices range from -0, depending on the level of insulation, durability, and aesthetic design. If you are already looking for curtains for your home, consider insulated curtains and their long-term benefits.
3) Close And Seal All Doors
As with the windows, make sure all doors are properly closed (and locked for safety purposes!). Run your hand across the bottom and up the sides of the door to determine whether any air is seeping through. If there is, you should consider either updating or applying new weather stripping.
Surprise, surprise, YouTube also has videos on installing weather stripping on doors (search "weather stripping doors"). If you are not able to or you prefer not weather stripping your door, consider simply putting a folded blanket/towel/runner at the bottom of the door. Of course this is not the best fix, but this will keep some unwelcomed cold air out.
4) Space/Portable Heaters
Although one space heater will not warm up the entire house, it is a great way to warm up an individual room. It is also a great way to avoid turning up the thermostat.
Portable heaters usually take a few minutes to start emitting heat, but once they begin, they are capable of heating up an entire room. You should measure the room you are looking to warm up so that you can purchase a heater capable of producing enough heat for that area. Look at the specifications on the product or talk to a salesperson about this. Portable heaters are easily moved from one place to another because they are usually equipped with wheels or are light in weight making it easy to simply pick them up.
Prices range from approximately -0, depending on style and size. Be sure to look for energy efficient portable heaters since these will save you money on your electricity bill. Also, just for safety's sake, keep the heaters a safe distance away from other objects in the room and from your pets or children.
5) Insulation
Hands down, in my opinion, insulation provides the greatest protection from cold air. The downside is, insulation is also one of the costlier ways of warming your home. It is up to you to decide whether the initial cost is worth the longterm benefits in reduced heating costs throughout the years.
There are a few different types of insulation available for homes. I will discuss the two primary types here: (1) fiberglass (pink) insulation, and (2) spray foam insulation.
The classic fiberglass insulation is still widely used and is still usually one of the least expensive types. This type of insulation does a pretty good job of keeping cold air out and warm air in.
In order to install, the wall's must be removed so that the insulation can be placed in between the wooden beams. Once the sheetrock is removed, installation is really simple. You just have to place a section of the insulation against the wooden beams and then simply use a razor to cut the excess in order to fit the insulation in between the beams. Then, you have to put the sheetrock back up. All together, it requires a lot of work, time, and effort. If this isn't a project you'd like to undertake on your own, consider contacting a professional to do the job.
Another type of insulation is known as spray foam insulation. This type of insulation is relatively new but is becoming more popular. It is highly efficient and, depending on which type of foam the company uses, is eco-friendly.
You can spray the foam yourself, but in my opinion, it is probably best to contract a professional. Improperly sprayed walls can result in wall damage. Too much foam behind a wall can cause it to bow out. Eventually, such a wall would likely need to be replaced. Also, spraying foam is a messy job. The foam can end up covering objects it was not intended to cover. Further, there are different types of foam for different parts of a home. Professionals are aware of this and will use the optimal insulation for the specific area.
Unlike fiberglass insulation, the entire wall does not have to be taken down. Only a horizontal section of the wall needs to be removed along the entire length of the wall. The foam is then sprayed behind the sheetrock where it covers every crack and crevice. Then, depending on the company, they will replace the sheetrock or, if not, the homeowner will take care of it.
One potential drawback is that you are likely going to pay more for spray foam insulation. In fact, in some areas of the country you are going to pay a lot more. But, it is often said that spray foam insulation can cut heating costs by 40% or more. Thus, you have to decide whether the initial price will pay for itself through the monthly heating cost savings.
If you are working on a limited budget, consider just insulating your attic. Bear in mind, heat rises. It is estimated that approximately 40% of a home's heat escapes through its ceiling and attics and that insulating the attic alone can save the homeowner 25% on heating costs. Thus, the insulation in your attic will help keep the entire house warmer than it would be without the insulation.
Stay warm!
5 Ways To Keep Your House Warm
Joe Bonilla, Founder
Photo Finish Home Inspection, LLC
joeb@photofinishhome.com
http://www.photofinishhome.com
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